17-Foot Snowman Created By Mokena Family

MOKENA, IL — One Mokena family is taking full advantage of the snowfall around the Chicago area. Nearby residents and passerby may have noticed the 17-foot snowman created by the Mathews family at the corner of Townline Road and Josephine Drive.

Shannon and her husband Chris built another large snowman six years ago before they had their son. Shannon said her son had heard the stories and always asked if they ever got enough snow, if they could build another snowman.

"We had to beat our previous record of 12 feet," Shannon said. When the family got enough packable snow a few weeks ago, the construction of the snowman began.

Ladders and scaffolding were used to get the height of the snowman, and Shannon said the entire thing was built by hand using shovels and storage containers to pack the snow.

There is a spotlight on the snowman, so visitors and passerby can see it at night. Shannon said the family also used landscaping lights to make and illuminate the eyes, mouth and buttons of the snowman.

The snowman has had plenty of visitors, and Shannon said families will often stop in their yard to snap a picture with the frosty creation.

Chris and Shannon were assisted in the construction of the snowman by their children Cayden, Myles and Jenny.